I would start looking today, deals don't often pop up for your first time so if you think you'll be ready in Jan then chances are it'll take a few months after to actually get a deal.And finally something I did a little but not too excessively: reverse engineer. 

I would like to continue working as a Software Engineer and build a portfolio to pay for my children's college in the future, take nice vacations, and pay my current monthly mortgage. 

I was an engineer so used money save up to buy first rental with 20% down.

It means that the sponsor is trying to financially engineer their way into returns, rather than get there on fundamentals - they've overpaid for the deal, most likely,

Looking for a structural engineer in Charlotte, North Carolina wondering if anyone had any good referrals they can send my way.

Looking for a structural engineer in Charlotte, North Carolina wondering if anyone had any good referrals they can send my way.

We also buy very unloved buildings under the assumption that we will be gutting the building and replacing almost everything ... so typically do not bother with engaging an inspector or engineer unless we see something out of the ordinary (in a bad way) or we are having a Phase 1 done.However, in the beginning before we had acquired our present level of comfort and experience, we sent an inspector into most buildings ... if for no other reason than to provide input into maintenance and renovation planning.

Currently living in New Orleans as an engineer, but don't see myself here long term as there are limited opportunities here in my industry. 

I live in Los Angeles and have a job as an engineer.

But this is more evidence that continuous work by Army Corps of Engineers and Harris County Flood Plain management, and who-knows-what other agencies, is having some impact.